The Canuck Way
Fansided

Vancouver Canucks: 5 Second Half Predictions: “Revival”

By David Joun

Jan 1, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Yannick Weber (6) congratulates goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) for the win after overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Yannick Weber (6) congratulates goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) for the win after overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Vancouver Canucks
Sep 28, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenceman Talyor Fedun (58) and defenceman Ben Hutton (60) and forward Jared McCann (51) and forward Sven Baertschi (47) celebrate McCann /

2. The Kids will Come Alive

Sven Baertschi, Jake Virtanen, Ben Hutton, alongside Horvat and McCann, are going to find their next level.

For the Bo&Sven line, that seems to be already coming true. The Carolina Hurricanes game was a prime example of Horvat’s edgy doggedness on the puck leading to scoring chances and Baertschi’s playmaking instincts combining with his sniper’s hands, the two combining for three goals and one assist.

Prediction: Horvat and Baertsci will combine for 70+ points this season

As for Virtanen, the stage is set for him to take over Alex Burrows’s role as the energy guy who can get under the opponents’ skin. Of course, with much more speed, physicality, and offensive upside. If Virtanen plays with the ambition, the vengeance to prove the post-World Juniors critics wrong, his second half will be a good jumping-off spot for next year.

Ben Hutton has been the best rookie of the season. His patience, composure, and puck-handling is arguably one of the best on the team’s defence. However, his ability to finish on the offence could use some touch, as well as his strength and toughness in his own end. He will not surprise in the second half, but simply continue to be good.

Next: #3 Jacob Markstrom will Rise

Home/Canucks News